Alta I. Breunsbach's Obituary
Alta I. Breunsbach, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. She was born in 1932, to Albert and Ruth (Wuster) Sandoz. Alta was born near Dawson, Nebraska, graduating from Dawson High School and attended Peru State College. For two years she taught elementary students in a one room school in rural Nebraska. She continued her education at Midland College in Fremont, where she met Dan Breunsbach, a pre-theological student. They were married June 3, 1955. She supported them by teaching during Dan’s seminary days at Central Seminary. Daniel Mark was born in Fremont. Dan accepted a call to Foreign Missions upon graduation. They moved to Maywood, Illinois for a year at the School of Missions.
In 1959, the family moved to Tokyo, Japan for two years of study of the Japanese language. While in Tokyo, Emily Anne was born. Alta taught some students English conversation and Bible studies. She and the family then moved to Kurume, Japan where she was the superintendent of the local Lutheran kindergarten. She continued English Bible classes in her home.
After a furlough year in Lincoln, Nebraska, Alta and family relocated to Fukuoka, Japan. Where Matthew David was born. He passed away one day later. The family continued living in Fukuoka until 1974 when Dan resigned and relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In Tulsa, Alta and Dan were co-founders of Fellowship Lutheran Church where Alta was instrumental in getting the Sunday school organized and in leading the Women of the LCA. She enjoyed quilting at the church and making gifts for those in need and also making quilts at home for her loving family. Her magnum opus was a Christmas quilt that took two years to complete! Alta volunteered in the local polling place in Tulsa. She was also employed at Blue Cross Blue Shield as an accountant.
From 1991-1994, Alta and Dan served in the International Lutheran Church of Seoul, Korea. Alta worked as financial secretary of the church there and also taught KATUSA soldiers on the U.S. Army base there.
From 1994-1998, Alta and Dan lived in the parsonage while Dan served as pastor of Immanuel Lutheran in Cushing and at Prince of Peace in Ponca City. While at Cushing, Alta was part of quilting circle.
After they retired, they traveled extensively throughout the world, visiting every continent except Antarctica. In their lifetimes they had also been in all 50 states.
Alta’s commitment to her family and her faith will be remembered by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Breunsbach; son, Daniel (Kathy) Breunsbach; daughter, Emily Traub; four grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Matthew Breunsbach; brother, Glen Sandoz; sister, Alice Koba; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Memorial contributions in Alta’s honor can be directed to First Lutheran Church in Muskegon. A Celebration of Life is planned for June 3, 2023, at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church, 1206 Whitehall Rd., North Muskegon, MI 49445, with a luncheon to follow. Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Alta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alta?
Share a story where Alta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alta you’ll never forget.
How did Alta make you smile?